With Manchester City FC not playing until Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson's men had the chance to overtake their crosstown title rivals for a day at least – and they took full advantage at Old Trafford. The first half simmered, without coming to the boil and the only real opening fell to Paul Scholes, whose header on the half-hour was directed straight at Pepe Reina.

Matters changed suddenly after the break. In the 47th minute, Ryan Giggs swung in a right-sided corner, the ball flicked off Jordan Henderson's head, and Rooney volleyed in emphatically. Soon after Antonio Valencia won possession off Jay Spearing and slipped in Rooney to double his, and United's account. It was the England striker's fourth goal in his last two games. Luis Suárez replied with ten minutes remaining, but United held on for the three points.

In the day's late game, Tottenham Hotspur FC consolidated third place through a 5-0 home success against Newcastle United FC with Emmanuel Adebayor involved in all the goals, scoring one. Thierry Henry struck a late winner for Arsenal FC at Sunderland AFC, while there were also victories for Blackburn Rovers FC, Wigan Athletic FC, Everton FC, Fulham FC and Norwich City FC.

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